One of Blackwood’s most 'passionate and determined' solicitors with a career spanning 42-year has retired.

Howard Patchell, founder of Patchell Davies solicitors, has stepped down as partner after becoming the driving force behind the firm’s ongoing success.

Over the years the Blackwood-based business has grown substantially and established itself as a leader in wills, probate, conveyancing and commercial work.

Mr Patchell, whose firm was integrated into leading practice CJCH Solicitors in 2017, said it has been a 'privilege' to serve the communities of Blackwood and south Wales over the past four decades.

He said: “When I first launched Howard Patchell and Co in 1982, I never thought we would still be going stronger than ever almost four decades on.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress the firm has made over the years and I believe we have truly made a difference to the communities we serve.

“We have grown remarkably in strength and expertise, and now offer one of the most diverse and reliable services in the whole of Wales.

“I’d like to thank all those fantastic staff who joined us and made the firm the unstoppable success that it is. I’d also like to thank CJCH Solicitors for enabling us to grow even further and provide a more wide-reaching and specialist legal service going forwards.

“As I retire I do so confident in the knowledge that its future is in the very best of hands.”

Mr Patchell first entered the legal profession in 1977 and four years later opened his own firm, then known as Howard Patchell and Co, in 1982 on Pentwyn Road in Blackwood.

Over the years the firm has grown in strength, welcoming Graeme Davies in 1985, which enabled the practice to expand into the specialist areas of litigation and family law.

After a move to its current premises on Blackwood High Street on 1987, the firm continued to thrive and was renamed Patchell Davies in 1992 before becoming integrated into leading legal firm CJCH Solicitors in 2017.

Tim Hartland, managing partner at CJCH, said: “Howard is renowned across south Wales as one of the most passionate and determined solicitors in the industry and it has been a pleasure to work with him.

“His reputation and work ethic are absolutely second to none and he, and his team, have been an invaluable asset since joining with CJCH.

“We believe that integrating our firms has been significantly beneficial for everyone and we are privileged to be taking a stronger and more specialist offering forward thanks to Howard’s endless dedication over the years.”

Mr Patchell will be offering consulting support to CJCH Solicitors.